Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

There’s something incredibly satisfying about cooking up a batch of Instant Pot Shredded Chicken on a busy weeknight. Picture this: you come home after a long day, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s when I turn to my trusty Instant Pot. It’s a game changer! With just a few simple steps, you can have tender, juicy chicken ready to use in tacos, salads, or sandwiches. The flavors meld beautifully, and the best part? You can customize the seasonings to make it your own.

One of my fondest memories is the first time I made Instant Pot Shredded Chicken. I had just gifted myself this magical kitchen gadget and was eager to see what it could do. I tossed in some frozen chicken breasts, added a dash of salt, and pressed a button. Moments later, my kitchen was filled with an irresistible aroma. It was as if I had cooked all day, but in reality, I had just pressed a few buttons and let the Instant Pot work its magic.

As I shredded the chicken, excitement bubbled inside me. I couldn’t wait to use it for various meals throughout the week. Whether it was tossing it over a salad, making chicken tacos, or adding it to pasta dishes, it turned out to be a versatile staple. And let’s be honest, nothing beats the convenience of having shredded chicken on hand, ready to go!

If you’ve been on the fence about trying this recipe, let me assure you, it will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen. With the ease of the Instant Pot and the endless possibilities for using the chicken, I can’t recommend it enough. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to meal prep for the week ahead. So, gather your ingredients and let’s dive into the world of Instant Pot Shredded Chicken.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

When it comes to the ingredients for Instant Pot Shredded Chicken, simplicity reigns supreme. The combination of chicken and salt creates the perfect base for countless flavor profiles. You can always add spices or sauces to take it to the next level, but starting with fresh ingredients ensures the best taste. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 pounds of chicken breasts or thighs (fresh or frozen, bone-in or boneless)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Plus other seasonings as desired

Directions for Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

Ready to dive into making your Instant Pot Shredded Chicken? It’s as simple as pie! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have delicious shredded chicken in no time.

1. Add 1 cup of water to the 6-quart Instant Pot. This is crucial for steaming the chicken.
2. Insert the trivet into the pot. This will keep your chicken elevated and allow it to cook evenly.
3. Place the chicken onto the trivet. If you’re using frozen pieces, make sure they’re not stuck together; they should be separated for best results.
4. Season the chicken with kosher salt and any other spices you prefer. This is where you can get creative!
5. Close the lid securely and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure. The cooking time will vary depending on whether your chicken is fresh or frozen.
6. Once the cooking time is up, you can either vent immediately or allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes. This decision depends on how you prefer your chicken texture.
7. After venting, carefully open the lid. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken. It should register at least 165 degrees F.
8. If your chicken is not at the desired temperature, reseal the lid and cook for a few more minutes. If it’s close, just let it rest for a few more minutes.
9. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool until manageable.
10. Shred or dice the chicken as desired. You can use two forks or a hand mixer for quick shredding!

Substitutions and Tips

While Instant Pot Shredded Chicken is delicious as is, here are some tips and substitutions to enhance your cooking experience:

• Storage: Leftover cooked, shredded, or diced chicken can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight when you’re ready to use it.
• Freezing: You can freeze the shredded chicken in portioned bags for quick meals later.
• Pairing: Consider serving with fresh vegetables, or in dishes like burritos, soups, and salads.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different seasonings like paprika, cumin, or garlic powder for added flavor.
• Cooking Time: Adjust cooking times based on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces.
• Meal Prep: Cook a large batch of chicken at once to simplify meal prep for the week.

Serving Options for Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

There are countless delicious ways to serve your freshly made Instant Pot Shredded Chicken. Here are some of my favorite serving options:

• Tacos: Use the shredded chicken as a filling for tacos. Top with your favorite salsa, avocado, and cilantro.
• Salads: Add the shredded chicken to a bed of greens with tomatoes, cucumbers, and your choice of dressing for a satisfying salad.
• Wraps: Create a quick wrap with tortilla or lettuce, adding your favorite veggies and sauce.
• Pasta Dishes: Mix the shredded chicken with pasta and sauce for a hearty meal.
• Quesadillas: Combine with cheese in a tortilla, grill until crispy for a delightful quesadilla.
• Soups: Add to chicken soup or chili for a protein boost, enriching the flavors of your dish.
• Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for a quick meal or snack.
• Occasions: Perfect for family dinners, meal preps, or casual get-togethers.

FAQ

Conclusion

Making Instant Pot Shredded Chicken not only provides you with a delicious and versatile dish, but it’s also an incredibly easy process. With just a few ingredients and a short cooking time, you can whip up a batch that will serve you well throughout the week. So why not give it a try tonight? You might just find it becoming a staple in your kitchen, bringing both flavor and convenience to your meals.

Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Instant Pot Shredded Chicken is packed with flavor and easily adaptable for any meal. This quick and easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, allowing you to enjoy juicy, tender chicken in no time!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Cutting Board
• Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs fresh or frozen, bone-in or boneless
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus other seasonings as desired

Instructions

 

• Add 1 cup of water to the 6-quart Instant Pot. This is crucial for steaming the chicken.
• Insert the trivet into the pot. This will keep your chicken elevated and allow it to cook evenly.
• Place the chicken onto the trivet. If you’re using frozen pieces, make sure they’re not stuck together; they should be separated for best results.
• Season the chicken with kosher salt and any other spices you prefer. This is where you can get creative!
• Close the lid securely and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure. The cooking time will vary depending on whether your chicken is fresh or frozen.
• Once the cooking time is up, you can either vent immediately or allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes. This decision depends on how you prefer your chicken texture.
• After venting, carefully open the lid. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken. It should register at least 165 degrees F.
• If your chicken is not at the desired temperature, reseal the lid and cook for a few more minutes. If it’s close, just let it rest for a few more minutes.
• Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool until manageable.
• Shred or dice the chicken as desired. You can use two forks or a hand mixer for quick shredding!

Notes

• Tip 1: Leftover cooked, shredded, or diced chicken can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight when you’re ready to use it.
• Tip 2: You can freeze the shredded chicken in portioned bags for quick meals later.
• Tip 3: Consider serving with fresh vegetables, or in dishes like burritos, soups, and salads.
• Tip 4: Experiment with different seasonings like paprika, cumin, or garlic powder for added flavor.
• Tip 5: Adjust cooking times based on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces.
• Tip 6: Cook a large batch of chicken at once to simplify meal prep for the week.

Keyword easy shredded chicken, healthy chicken meals, Instant Pot chicken recipes, meal prep chicken